Priority 7: Community Responsibility If approved, the IAHS would be integral to the local social and economic fabric of the communities it serves and is located. Focus group and community conversation participants repeatedly noted that there is an opportunity and obligation for the IAHS to work more closely and more collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including community health centers, community mental health centers, others community-based organizations, and residents, to make more direct investments in addressing the Social Determinants of Health. While the merged system has proposed direct community investment of $10 million over three years, with a focus on addressing Social Determinants of Health, the committee felt that additional direct investment was needed. There is also a level of civic accountability and responsibility associated with the leadership role related to an entity of this size, which will be a true “anchor” in Rhode Island and, particularly, in Providence. There are opportunities for shared value, where, through true partnership and collaboration, the system and broader community can create benefits for all. While community members acknowledged the potential economic impact through Brown’s role as part of the IAHS, they wanted more information on how increased “innovation” could impact Rhode Islanders more directly.
Recommendations for approval of the merged health system • The merged system will increase its proposed direct investment. Additionally, Brown University will also commit to direct community investment.
› The committee's recommendation is for $50 million: $10 million per year for five years (inclusive of both the merged system at $5 million and Brown University at $5 million annually), with funds and a grant process that could be independently managed by the Rhode Island Foundation along with community advisory board input. This investment would remain focused on addressing the Social Determinants of Health.
› The merged system and Brown University must commit to ensuring that this community investment is in addition to existing Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).
33
